DAY 8 - 20th April
Session 2
Sri Ram Mandir
- an Archaeological Perspective
by Padmashri K. K. Mohammad
Sri K. K. Mohammad is a renowned lndian archaeologist and former Regional Director, North, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). He also served as the Project Archaeological Director in the Aga Khan Cultural Trust, 2013 to 2016. He was the only Muslim who was part of the team which had carried out the first excavation at the site of the Babri Masjid, led by Professor B. B. Lal, in 1976 -77. Honoured with the prestigious Padmashri award, 2019, Mohammadji has led many other commendable projects, including restoration of the temples in Dantewada and Bateshwar, the Ibadat Khana excavations, discovery of the first Christian Chapel in Fatehpur Sikri and many Buddhist stupas in the North.
Fluently quoting verses from Ramayana’s Aranyakhaand, he set the note by exalting the glory and greatness of Maryada Purushottama, before vehemently reiterating that there was enough archaeological, as well as literary and social proof, of a grand Vishnu temple, below Babri Masjid. Mohammadji was one of the fearless key supporters of the Hindu claim, in the Ram-Janmabhoomi / Babri Masjid court battle, that finally ended in the historical verdict by the Supreme Court in November 2019, thanks to the efforts of Mohammadji and many like him. In an awe-inspiring presentation, peppered with quotations from many Itihasaas, Bhagawad Gita and Upanishads, Mohammadji threw light on these evidences, sharing fascinating pictures and documents as support.
Archaeological Evidences
1st excavation led by Sri B. B. Lal (1976-77) unearthed the following:
* Twelve defaced pillars, with erased figures, from temple remains
* Stylistic dating ascertained that it was a 12th century AD structure.
* Poornakalasha - a Hindu sign of prosperity at the base
* Many other Ashtamangala chinnah
* On the western side, pillar bases, terracotta toys and figurines of humans and animals (dogs, cobras) were found, a depiction strictly prohibited by Islam.
2nd excavation led by Sri Har Manjhi and Sri B. R. Mani (post-demolition of mosque) revealed the following:
* Over fifty pillar bases, in seventeen rows, indicating that the structure was imposing, large and significant
* A temple pranala and makara pranali (crocodile-faced outlet) for abhisheka waters to flow
* Lady figures at the entrance of garbhagruha, representing holy Ganga and Yamuna.
* Remains of the temple shikara and amalka.
* 263 human and animal figurine pieces and representations of gods and goddesses.
During the demolition of Babri Masjid, a Vishnu Hari shila was restored, which had an inscription declaring that the temple was dedicated to an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who had killed Vali and a ten-headed person.
Literary Evidences
* In Ain-e-Akbari Volume III, Abu Fazal says that Ayodhya was worshipped by Hindus in the month of Chaitra.
* Traveller William Filch and Dutch geographer John Daeleat, who came to India during Jehangir’s time, wrote about people assembling for worship at this site in Ayodhya.
* Joseph Taissen Thaler also speaks about the erection of a cradle at the place. He also gave the first indication that the temple was destroyed either by Babur or Aurangzeb.
These undeniable evidences formed part of the impartial, well substantiated court commissioned report, that was finally upheld by the Supreme Court, concluded Mohammadji.
In the interactive session that followed, the audience was amazed to hear how Sri Mohammad had victoriously combatted stern opposition from Communist historians, as well as members of his religion, inspired by the expansive flexibility and positivity of Sanatana Dharma, as well as his resolve to stand by the truth. He appealed to everybody to work towards a strong, united India and towards proudly preserving, celebrating and show-casing to the world, the richness of our culture and timeless heritage.
Report by
Reena Rajpal
Chinmaya Sagar Zone
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